Your First Visit

What to wear: Usually you will not need to wear a gown although we do have those if need be. Comfortable non-slippery clothing and underwear is best, ie separate top and bottom clothing is best. In some rare cases, a patient may be asked to wear a gown. For x ray examination, any metal containing clothing would need to be removed. A gown will be provided when needed.

If You’re Uncomfortable With Undressing

It’s completely normal to feel unsure about undressing for treatment. If you feel uneasy or have personal, cultural, or religious reasons for preferring to stay dressed, just let us know. Your comfort is our priority. We’re happy to adapt and can usually modify our approach to suit your needs—there are many techniques that can be performed with your clothes on or with minimal exposure. Don’t hesitate to speak up; we want you to feel at ease throughout your visit.

First, you will be met by our friendly staff who will show you through to our comfortable reception area. Here you will be asked to fill out a few questionnaires so that we can collect a record and to learn more about the reasons for your visit.  Our friendly staff are always at hand to assist anyone if needed.

The chiropractor will go through the forms with you and take a thorough history. This is usually followed by an examination during which the chiropractor does specific tests designed to help with diagnoses. 

How Consent Is Handled During Your Visit

Before any hands-on care begins, your chiropractor will explain the treatment plan in detail and make sure you’re comfortable with every aspect. Your consent is more than just a signature on a form—it’s an ongoing conversation.

You have the right to pause or adjust any part of the treatment at any time. If a particular technique doesn’t feel right, simply let your chiropractor know. Open communication ensures you remain in control of your care from start to finish.

If there’s ever a need to share aspects of your health information—for example, with your GP or another health professional—your express permission is always required. This way, your privacy is safeguarded, and you stay informed about every decision involving your health.

Asking Questions During Your Visit
You’re encouraged to ask questions at any stage of your consultation or treatment. Whether it’s about a test, a term you don’t understand, or simply what to expect next, your chiropractor will be happy to explain. There’s no such thing as a silly question here—clarity and comfort are important steps toward relieving pain and making informed decisions about your care.

Some of the typical tests are explained below:

Orthopedic testing: These are tests specifically designed to rule in or help rule out certain conditions. A common example of one of these tests would be the slumps test. This is done with the patient seated and the patient is asked to extend (straighten) one leg at a time and seeing if it produces discomfort in the low back or any sciatic type symptoms. This can also be preformed with head flexion (tucking the chin down). These tests, if positive would give an indication that there is possible disc involvement which in turn, would call for further orthopedic and possible neurological tests to see if the sciatic nerve is being compressed or irritated.

Assessments Beyond Musculoskeletal Concerns

Chiropractors are trained not only to detect musculoskeletal issues, but also to watch for signs that may point to something outside the usual joint or muscle problems. To do this, your chiropractor might carry out a range of checks in addition to the standard orthopedic and neurological tests.

Some of these assessments include:

• Blood pressure monitoring: Helps identify cardiovascular issues that may require further investigation.
• Observation of the skin: This can sometimes reveal rashes, bruising, or changes in coloration that suggest systemic conditions.
• Respiratory checks: The chiropractor may listen to your breathing or ask about any shortness of breath, especially if these seem unrelated to back or joint pain.
• Heart auscultation: Using a stethoscope, the chiropractor may listen for abnormal heart sounds or rhythms.
• Abdominal examination: Gently pressing on various regions of the abdomen can reveal tenderness or irregularities that need medical attention.
• Peripheral vascular assessment: Checking pulses, color, and temperature in the hands and feet ensures proper blood flow and can uncover vascular disorders.

Each of these measures is designed to help the chiropractor spot anything unusual that falls outside the realm of typical muscle or joint conditions. If any red flags are found during these assessments, you may be referred for further testing or to another healthcare provider for a more in-depth evaluation.

Before a Gonstead chiropractor adjusts a bone, he will usually use a “listing” which is a description of a bone’s position in relation to the bone below it. For those who want the details, an example would be:  L5 segment which is Posterior, with its spinous process rotated to the left 3mm and lateral the process inferior on the left side 4mm would be “listed” as L5 PL3 I.4 or if measurements are not noted it would be a PLI listing. To accomplish a precise correction, the adjustment may incorporate multiple angles in a single thrust The chiropractor uses the listing to tell him where to contact the segment, the line of drive (E.g. Anterior to posterior with counter clockwise torque and the depth and or rotation needed in a corrective thrust).

Lab testing; 

Most chiropractors would refer patients needing lab work back to their GP.

Most known diseases, conditions and added chemicals (such as medication) change the normal chemical makeup of blood and/or urine. Abnormal changes in the values of known components in the blood or urine are often an indication of a possible condition or may indicate the need for further investigation.

Although chiropractors do receive training in this field (in USA it was part of the curriculum) most chiropractors do not request laboratory work but would prefer to send a patient whom they suspect needs further laboratory tests, to the appropriate specialist. If you are waiting for any test results requested by a physician, it is best to tell the chiropractor.

Referral and Further Investigation

If, after your initial assessment and examination, the chiropractor feels that your condition may require additional investigation or is not suitable for chiropractic care, they will discuss this with you. In such cases, your chiropractor may recommend further tests—such as blood tests, ultrasounds, X-rays, or even an MRI—to help determine the root cause of your symptoms. They may also write to your GP to coordinate care or facilitate an appropriate referral to another healthcare provider, ensuring you receive the most suitable and comprehensive care for your needs.

The working diagnosis;

This is the diagnosis that the chiropractor makes after he has considered the patient history, all tests such as the physical exam, imaging or lab work. The diagnosed condition is then monitored to insure the patient responds as expected.

Once the chiropractor has a working diagnosis, he will explain it to the patient and discuss the options available. If it’s a condition that falls within our scope the chiropractor, will usually start treatment the same day.

Collaborative Goal Setting and Treatment Planning

After arriving at a working diagnosis, the next step is to ensure that your treatment reflects your personal goals and concerns. The chiropractor will discuss with you what outcomes matter most—whether that’s reducing pain, regaining mobility, or returning to favourite activities like gardening or playing with your grandkids.

You’ll be guided through the available treatment options, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions along the way. Your input is essential; the chiropractor will tailor the plan using both clinical expertise and the latest evidence, but also by listening to your preferences and day-to-day needs. There’s no such thing as a silly question, and every concern—big or small—is welcome.

By the end of this conversation, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect, how progress will be measured, and how you can play an active role in your own recovery. This approach ensures the treatment isn’t just something done to you, but something done with you, as a partnership every step of the way.

Is Chiropractic Treatment Painful?

Many patients wonder whether chiropractic treatment will hurt. Most adjustments are not considered painful, though you may occasionally notice mild discomfort—particularly in areas where there is tension or inflammation. Some describe the sensation as similar to what you might feel during a deep tissue massage or after stretching a tight muscle at the gym.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is unique. Some people feel immediate relief, while others may notice some mild soreness that typically passes within a day or two.

If you ever feel uncomfortable at any point during your visit, please speak up. Open communication helps the chiropractor adjust their technique and ensure your comfort throughout the process. Your feedback is valuable and helps us tailor your care to your needs.

Lifestyle and Exercise Advice

In addition to hands-on treatment, chiropractors often offer advice tailored to your day-to-day habits and activities. This may include recommendations on simple stretches to support spinal health, advice on improving posture (especially if you spend long hours at a desk), or guidance on lifting techniques to avoid injury.

You might also receive a custom exercise program, often including gentle mobility or strengthening exercises to do at home. The aim is to support recovery, speed up your progress, and reduce the risk of discomfort returning. At times, the chiropractor might discuss sleep positions, workstation ergonomics, or general wellness tips based on your lifestyle.

Ultimately, this advice acts as a practical extension of your care, helping you take positive steps outside the clinic to maintain your results and support your overall wellbeing.